FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: PRESS RELEASE - JANUARY 15, 2014
CONTACT: Heather McMann, (Cell): (978) 930-4961, hmcmann@groundworklawrence.org
Free Job Training Program
Helps Turn Lawrence’s Environmental Challenges into Opportunities
A growing partnership between the Merrimack Valley Workforce Investment Board and Groundwork Lawrence is turning Lawrence’s environmental challenges into opportunities. The Environmental Technical Training Program is funded through the MVWIB by a grant from the Environmental Protection Agency. The project, managed by GWL offers training modules delivered by experienced providers ensuring up to date acquisition of the critical skills awareness and certifications needed to work in fields such as Brownfield Remediation and Hazardous Materials Handling, Storm Water Management, and Recycling and Solid Waste management. The program is free to unemployed or underemployed residents of Lawrence and the Merrimack Valley.
The Environmental Technical Training Program is a dynamic, intensive 5-Week, 40 hour per week course of study that balances classroom lecture and discussion with active hands-on indoor and outdoor field experience. This balanced approach to lecture and hands-on training creates a fun, mentally stimulating and supportive learning environment.
Program participants gain 9 valuable certifications and trainings in 5 short weeks including: Asbestos Abatement, Lead Abatement, OSHA 40, OSHA 10, Confined Space and Fall Protection, Sustainable sites and Recycling and solid waste. These trainings are often required for certain types of employment and are expensive and time consuming to obtain individually.
The community of Lawrence is re-imagining itself with a bright green future. The historic mills and buildings along Lawrence’s rivers and other sites across the city are being renovated and transformed, turned into new spaces for businesses to grow and people to live. The Spicket River is being cleaned up and restored with new parks and open space along its shoreline. The key to developing Lawrence’s green future is to develop a workforce with the skills needed to engage in this work, while addressing Lawrence’s environmental challenges, and getting this new workforce into local jobs.
'We are pleased to be part of a project that is directly related to the conservation and improvement of the environment, supports our continued efforts to expand occupational training in this growing sector, and also provides employment opportunities for area residents” stated Rafael Abislaiman, Executive Director, Merrimack Valley Work Force Investment Board.
Heather McMann, Groundwork Lawrence’s Executive Director explains “the program is both mentally and physically challenging, yet fun. The participants learn how to “dress out” in sophisticated safety equipment, from oxygen tanks to safety harnesses, and partake in interesting discussions about environmental issues from environmental remediation strategies to the potential impacts of climate change. It is kind of a cross between an outdoor adventure program and a great science class. The students really enjoy it and the certifications will help them secure work!”
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Program Details
Program is free to qualified individuals. Participants must be unemployed or under employed and residents of Lawrence or the Merrimack Valley Region. The program is 5 weeks 40 hour per week and attendance is mandatory for the full program. Classes are held from 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Monday - Friday with a ½ hour lunch break and short breaks as required during the day. Classes are held in Lawrence, MA with various outdoor activities in and around Greater Lawrence. Participants must take TABE assessment for math and reading to qualify for the training.
Industry Certifications & Trainings Earned During Program
• Asbestos Worker 24-Hour
• Osha 40-Hour Hazwoper
• Osha 10-Hour
• Confined Space Training
• Fall Protection
• Lead Worker 24-Hour
• Sustainable Sites 24-Hour
• Erosion & Sedimentation
• Recycling & Solid Waste
Requirements To Participate
• Women and Men Welcome
• Resident of Lawrence or the Merrimack River Valley Region
• 18 Years of Age or Older
• Unemployed or Underemployed
• Work Authorized or US Citizen
• Selective Service Compliance
• Valid Driver’s License and Transportation
• Ability to Perform Work involving Physical Activity
• Available 8:00 - 4:30 weekdays for 5 weeks
• High School or GED Preferred
3 Training Sessions are scheduled in 2014
• March 10 - April 11
• May 3 - June 6
• July 7 - August 8
Weekly information sessions will be held at Groundwork Lawrence starting on January 15, 2014. Call to register today. For more information on eligibility and to apply to the program:
Contact:
Clay Larsen at Groundwork Lawrence
Phone: (978) 974-0770 x 7017
E-mail: clarsen@groundworklawrence.org
http://www.groundworklawrence.org/workforce